Michael Jackson’s Thriller -era guitarist says Beat It was “too metal” before producer Quincy Jones stepped in.

How the late producer and composer Quincy Jones saved this iconic Michael Jackson hit from its heavy metal fate.

Following the tragic passing of musical genius Quincy Jones, we’re learning new things about his life and some of the classic songs he helped create.

“Quincy wasn’t even there, he was at Westlake doing overdubs on ‘Billie Jean’ while we were fixing ‘Beat It ... by himself, Jackson, Lionel Richie and producer Michael Omartian ...

Chris Walter/WireImage Quincy Jones and Michael ... Jones and Jackson earned nine No. 1 songs and sold millions of albums ...

The producer, who died this week, was at the height of his powers during a legendary three-album run with Jackson.